Real Estate Law in Türkiye

Property is often the most valuable asset of individuals and companies. Buying, leasing or protecting a right over property in Türkiye therefore calls for legal review before the transaction and careful management of any dispute that may follow.

Buying property and title deed procedures

Under Turkish law, ownership of real estate passes only through an official deed executed at the land registry office and registration in the land register (tapu). Promissory sale agreements must be executed before a notary. Before buying, the title record, mortgages, attachments and annotations, zoning status and building permits should be checked.

Actions to cancel and re-register title

Where a transfer was simulated, made without capacity, made through abuse of a power of attorney or registered without a valid legal basis, an action to cancel the title and re-register it may be brought. Gathering evidence early is important in these cases.

Leases

Leases of residential and covered commercial premises are specifically regulated by Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098. Rent determination, eviction, collection of unpaid rent and deposit disputes are the most common issues. For many lease disputes, applying to a mediator is mandatory before filing a lawsuit.

Condominiums and co-ownership

Condominium Law No. 634 governs the use of common areas, service charges and disputes arising from the management plan. Where property is owned by several persons who cannot agree, an action to partition the property may be brought.

Property acquisition by foreign nationals

Property acquisition by foreign individuals is governed by Land Registry Law No. 2644 and is subject to reciprocity and the limits set out in the law. Additional conditions apply where the purchase is made for citizenship by investment, as explained on our Foreign Investment and Relocation Law page.

Expropriation and zoning disputes

Actions to determine expropriation compensation, claims for de facto seizure without expropriation and challenges to zoning plans are the main ways owners protect their rights against the administration.